"𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?"
"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡?"
Alina Lewis and Teddy Parker have unresolved issues from the past summer.
This lingering problem stems from a misunderstanding, causing both to hold grud...
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After the intense interaction with Teddy, I need a moment to collect myself. My heart is still racing as I pull out my phone and text my new group chat with Dixi, Catalina, and Virginia. "Hey guys, we need to catch up! How about Jayde's Diner in two hours?" I suggest, hoping they'll be up for it. Almost immediately, they all reply with enthusiastic yeses, which brings a small smile to my face. I feel a bit lighter knowing I'll be seeing them soon. I head back to my room, eager to freshen up and shake off the lingering tension from my run-in with Teddy. I take a deep breath, trying to push the encounter out of my mind, and start getting ready for a much-needed catch-up session with my friends.
As soon as I make it to the dorm rooms, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. The familiar scent of the wooden furniture and the faint, comforting aroma of lavender from the air freshener greet me. I drop my bag on the floor and head straight to the bathroom mirror to scrutinize myself. Normally, I don't feel insecure about my appearance, but seeing Lena, who is undeniably stunning, makes me second-guess everything.
I examine my reflection meticulously, feeling a deep pang of jealousy. I'm wearing black jeans and a tan crop top. My soft curves are barely perceptible, making me feel like I resemble a flat, featureless door. My vertical belly button does nothing to enhance my figure. I have a modest chest, and my butt is just average-sized. Lena, on the other hand, possesses these mesmerizing curvy hips that flow seamlessly into a perfect hourglass figure and an ample chest that captures the attention of every boy. Her butt is voluptuous and captivating.
She contrasts with me in every conceivable way—her alabaster, flawless skin against my honey-toned, freckled complexion, her striking emerald eyes against my mundane brown ones. The clear, unblemished skin she flaunts only amplifies my insecurities about my own freckles. Disgust is all I can see in myself. No wonder Teddy isn't interested. I'm not petite; I'm tall and awkward. Lena and I are different in so many ways, and it feels like every single one of those differences is a glaring mark against me. The jealousy and self-doubt swirl inside me, making it hard to breathe. I can't help but resent how effortlessly perfect she seems, while I feel like I'm falling short in every possible way. The disparity between us feels insurmountable, leaving me drowning in a sea of inadequacy and envy.
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Dixi is finishing up her last lecture of the day and asked me to meet her at the diner, instead of at the dorm. Thankfully, I just got my car back from the maintenance shop. I really hope Teddy's truck got fixed too, or I would feel incredibly guilty. My parents were disappointed in me but told me they'd cover the repair costs. I love them so much; they are always so understanding and supportive.
As I walk to my car, I open the door and am enveloped by the soothing scent of warm vanilla sugar. My car is spotless and ready for a relaxing drive. I head to the diner, with "jealousy, jealousy" by Olivia Rodrigo playing on repeat, perfectly capturing my current mood.
When I arrive at Jayde's Diner, I park in the same spot where I had the unfortunate incident with Teddy. Dixi texts me that she's almost there and that she brought Catalina along since they have the same classes. Just then, Virginia pulls in and parks right beside me.
